Obituary of Ferber Gene Bailey

Ferber Gene Bailey, 92, passed away February 17, 2019 in Shelton, Washington, where he lived since 1994.  He was born September 28, 1926 to Ferber Bailey and Ruth Y. Van Zile Bailey in Crandon, Wisconsin.  Over the years, he also lived in Federal Way, Washington (1964-1994), Palmer, Alaska (1935-1945), Anchorage, Alaska (1945-1955), and California (1955-1962).

Gene attended Green River College in Auburn, Washington. He served in the U.S. Air Corps (Army Air Force) from September 14, 1945 to January 3, 1947.  He was with the 10^th Rescue Squadron, active in Alaska.  He received the Asia Pacific Theater Ribbon and World War II Victory Medal.

He married Claire M. Tingley on June 24, 1950.

Professionally, Gene was a bus driver in Anchorage; truck driver (tractor/trailer) for Kopperud Transportation in Palmer, Alaska; truck driver for Rucker Brothers; and owner/operator of Bailey Transportation.  He was a member of the Teamsters Union. 

Gene had a private pilot’s license and loved flying. As a boy, he, along with his parents and sister Nona, were pioneers in the Matanuska Valley, and he loved telling stories of his days in Alaska. He also enjoyed helping his many friends and family.

He is survived by his wife, Claire M. Bailey; daughters, Cheryl Stuberg (Roger), Candace Ray (Chris), and Cathy Paxton (Tim); seven grandchildren; one great grandchild; sister, Nona Cummings; and other extended family.  He was predeceased by his parents; sisters, Janice Kvale and Ardith Whelan; and brother, David Bailey. 

Services will be held May 19, 2019, 2:00 p.m. at Lake Limerick Country Club, 790 E. Saint Andrews Dr., Shelton, WA 98584.